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Is there any help at all for foot numbness in PN
Neuropathy | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (124)Comment receiving replies
Hi @wascaly, Like you I don't have any pain but just the numbness and a little tingling sometimes. I haven't found anything in my years of searching that gets rid of it but there are a few things that may take your mind off of it. Balance and falling are what I worry about also. I just try to keep busy, get rid of all the throw rugs and obstacles around the house. If I want to go for a longer walk, a set of trekking poles helps. I do foresee the day when I might be using a rollator walker but I'm hoping at 81 I might have a few more years before I really need one.
While you wait for others, there are quite a few members who have posted in this discussion.
-- Neuropathy: Numbness only, no pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-numbness-only-no-pain/.
I do find that shoes help with the balance for me. If my shoes are too spongy, I get the tipsy feeling when walking and don't feel steady. I do have a few pair of shoes with a zero drop sole (barefoot type shoes with flat soles) that make my feet feel more sturdy and balanced.
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Thanks so much for your response and for letting me know I’m not the only one!
I have a theory but none of the medical professionals will acknowledge it.
In 2008, I had my first surgery for scoliosis. It was actually a 2-day procedure. I had to wear this awful turtle shell contraption for 6 months, feeling like some kind of freak. Then approximately 2 years later, I had another surgery to fuse my L5.
I can’t exactly remember when the PN was diagnosed, but the foot numbness gradually got worse. Now, in 2024, I can hardly walk. I use a walker, but only since I fell in 2023, and had to have yet another horrific surgery that pretty much sealed the deal for me. Before the broken hip, I used a cane.
Anyway, at age 74, my numbness has only gotten worse and worse. My aforementioned theory is the PN happened as a result of the very first surgery in 2008 for scoliosis, which was on my LEFT side. Hence, the main numbness in my LEFT foot. Not one of these professionals will even entertain the possibility. That, alone, baffles me.
Now, I’m far from being a doctor; however, I just can’t help but think the numbness in my LEFT foot (mainly) is related to the 1st surgery for scoliosis on my LEFT side.
In the meantime, I just continue to suffer with no relief in sight.